Rat Cerebellar Granule Cells

The cerebellum is a structure at the base of the brain involved in balance and motor coordination. The development of the cerebellum involves a set of coordinated cell movements and two separate proliferation zones: the ventricular zone and the external granule cell layer (EGL). The EGL appears segregated during early cerebellum formation and produces only granule cells. Cerebellar granule cells (CGC) are the smallest and most numerous neurons in the brain and play a critical role in motor learning and consolidation. Their axons run as parallel fibres along the coronal axis, and the one-dimensional spread of excitation that results from this arrangement is a key assumption in theories of cerebellar function. During both in vivo and in vitro development, CGC depend on the activity of the NMDA glutamate receptor subtype for survival and full differentiation. Primary rat CGC (RCGC) are used for studying neuronal apoptosis, Batton disease, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

RCGC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from postnatal day 8 CD® IGS rat cerebellum. RCGC are cryopreserved at P0 and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >1 x 10^6 cells in 1 ml volume. RCGC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to βtubulin III. RCGC are negative for mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. RCGC are guaranteed to further culture under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories; however, RCGC are not recommended for expanding or long-term cultures since the cells do not proliferate in culture.

Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Neuronal Medium (NM, Cat. #1521) for culturing RCGC in vitro.